After over ten months in captivity, Brittney Griner was finally released on December 8 from her exile in Russia. Many fans and celebrities welcomed Griner and celebrated her return right on time for the holidays. The 2014 WNBA champion reportedly endured brutal conditions during her time in the Russian prison system. It was a difficult time for her friends and family as well. In fact, her wife Cherelle Griner was at the forefront of the protesting voices that demanded her swift release. Recently, Griner received a warm welcome from people close to her that ended up touching the hearts of fans.

When the WNBA star finally returned to the country through a one-on-one prisoner swap deal, her family and friends were elated. After her release, Brittney Griner was taken to a military base in San Antonio, where was evaluated in the medical center. Griner and Cherelle have stayed at the base where they were greeted with a sweet surprise recently.

Phoenix Mercury trio surprises Brittney Griner and Cherelle

While Brittney Griner and Cherelle stayed at the military base after her release, teammate Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury President Vince Kozar, & GM Jim Pitman made a surprise visit. The Phoenix Mercury’s official Twitter handle recently posted a photo of the reunion and it received a lot of heartwarming messages from the fans. Here are some of the reactions:

After the meeting, Kozar talked about his interaction with the towering center, as per reports from The New York Times. ?I don?t want to be na?ve and say she seemed like the same person, because obviously I can?t imagine an experience like this not changing you,? Kozar said. ?But it felt like talking to B.G.?

He added that Griner had the same energy and personality she has always had, that is loved by many.

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Multiple days after her release, Griner released a public statement thanking everyone who voiced and worked for her freedom. In the statement, she also revealed that she would play for the Mercury in the upcoming season. She missed the whole of last season as the Las Vegas Aces clinched the title.

Griner’s release

Ever since Griner’s arrest in February, many celebrities and fans stood together in solidarity for her release. But then she was sentenced to nine years in prison by a Russian regional court. This shocked many in the country which led to widespread protests. The WNBA used its platform to talk about Griner’s situation to the masses.

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Many NBA superstars showed their support and demanded her release as well. As reports about the conditions in the IK-2 penal colony in Mordovia came out, people were worried for the safety and well-being of the two-time Olympic Gold medalist. Finally, the U.S. Government was able to strike a deal with Russia for her release.